World Wildlife Day : Definition, History & How do we Celebrate
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World Wildlife Day takes us to Thailand who raised awareness to save the endangered species of the World’s Wild Flora and Fauna. This day looks to increase the consciousness of people towards the planet’s wildlife and biodiversity. Every Year we celebrate 3rd March as World Wildlife Day.
World Wildlife day aims to reduce the adverse effects and stop the biodiversity loss happening to flora and fauna all around the globe.
What is the History of World Wildlife Day?
World Wildlife Day came into existence through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, popularly known as CITES. The historic day was passed in the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on 20th December 2013.
The CITES conference held in Bangkok from 3rd to 14th March 2013 was a stepping stone towards this commemoration. The United Nations General Assembly recognized the intrinsic value of wildlife and its contribution towards ecological, social, educational, recreational and aesthetic values to sustainable development and human well-being.
The UNGA requested CITES Secretariat to implement 3rd March as World Wildlife Day.
How do we celebrate World Wildlife Day every Year?
World Wildlife Day has different themes every Year, and CITES, with its 183 member nations, uses this occasion for biodiversity conservation by regulating trade in wild flora and fauna. Here are some important themes which have been celebrated over the years:
The year 2015: “It is time to get serious about wildlife crime.”
The year 2016: “The future of wildlife is in our hands,” and this year, it also had a sub-theme “, The future of elephants is in our hands.”
The year 2017: “Listen to the Young Voices.”
The Year 2018: “Big Cats – predators under threat.”
The year 2019: “Life below water for people and planet.”
The year 2020: “Sustaining all life on Earth.”
The year 2021: “Forests and Livelihoods: sustaining people and planet.”
CITES and United Nations: The Association towards World Wildlife Day
The CITES Secretariat, along with United Nations, have organized various events all across the globe to raise awareness about preserving the wild flora and fauna. The prominent among those are:
- Organizing the Big Cats Film Festival and Jackson Wildlife Film Festival to induce media for inspiring change on the conservation of big cats.
- UN Postal Administration to release 12 stamps showing species of endangered wildlife animals and plants.
- Various World Association of Zoos, African Parks has been roped in to hold events on World Wildlife Day every Year.
World Wildlife Day helps people all around the globe to realize the importance of different species and their natural habitats to survive and live hassle-free.